Saturday, June 11, 2011

Do Libertarians Support the NRA?

Ted Knighton on United Liberty described why he, as a Libertarian, would not join the NRA. Basically he feels they're not extreme enough. He mentioned the fact that, "Their compromises gave us background checks for firearm purchases, among other things."

So, do I think libertarians should join the NRA? I can’t speak for everyone, but I sure as hell won’t. While I think a single issue group should focus on that one issue, I can’t believe that the NRA is truly interested in defending my right to keep and bear arms. Instead, I believe they’re interested in nothing more than playing the Washington game.

In other words, I personally recommend that libertarians looking to join an organization to defend our right to keep and bear arms not join the NRA. There are many other groups that do quality work in that arena as well, and are less compromising with our beloved Second Amendment rights than the NRA. Gun Owners of America is one such group.

So what do I saw to those who argue that the NRA is the largest gun rights group in the nation? I simply tell them that all things change in time, and it’s way past time for that fact to change.

What does all this mean? Are real Libertarians too extreme for the NRA? Do they really consider background checks which prevent some bad people from getting guns, an infringement of rights?

10 comments:

In general though, Ted is correct in that the NRA is the moderate group of the bunch. Comparatively speaking, the GOA, SAF, JPFO, and the CCRKBA are a bit more hard core. Where I would disagree with Ted though is in effectiveness between groups

The NRA isn't perfect but they are after all the oldest civil rights organization in the country. The Gorilla in the room in stopping misguided legislation.

The rest have had zero success in stopping any piece of legislation.

"Are real Libertarians too extreme for the NRA? Do they really consider background checks which prevent some bad people from getting guns, an infringement of rights?

Most people who have been around long enough recognize that background checks are more PR and perception than anything else.

From a Libertarian perspective, its never extreme to look for methods to get things done without government involvement.

BTW - A libertarian might also say that once one has served their time in jail, all of their rights should be restored. And that includes gun rights.

The Libertarian idea of doing without government interference is good, but only up to a point. There are some things that the government can do on a federal level which would benefit the people. Gun control is one of them in my opinion.

You can't say the background check requirement is a PR and perception thing because it's never been tried. The way it is now, so easily circumvented, makes it useless. Proper background check requirements on all gun sales would go a long way to slowing down the gun flow into the criminal world. But, since that's just theory at this point, one must employ a bit of common sense and honesty to see it.

It's been said that a libertarian is a republican who likes watching porn and smoking pot*. I guess we can add, "shooting mofos with whom you disagree or who are on your property.", to that list of qualifiers.

The NRA is the oldest civil rights organization? Citation required. Here's a hint: NRA publicity, or claims lacking substantiation, are not citations.